Congress FAQs
Useful information about Congress 2025, taking place 11-13 June in Utrecht, Netherlands
Travelling to Utrecht
For the sustainable traveller, Utrecht presents a straightforward opportunity to travel by train for Congress attendees based in the UK and elsewhere in Europe. Eurostar services run between London and Utrecht, with only one or two changes needed. You can use websites like Trainline and Rome2Rio to plan your travel itinerary.
Please note that local trains don't get scheduled until a little nearer the date, so you may wish to book the Eurostar to Rotterdam first, and book the train from Rotterdam to Utrecht subsequently.
If flight-free travel isn't an option for you, you will need to bear in mind that Utrecht does not have its own airport. Instead you can fly into Amsterdam Schiphol airport, which has a direct train service to Utrecht Centraal station.
Congress Hotels
We have arranged discounted rates at two hotels in Utrecht, and details on these can be found below.
NH Utrecht
Jaarbeursplein, 24, 3521 AR, Utrecht
NH Utrecht Centre
Janskerkhof 10, 3512 BL Utrecht, Netherlands
NH offer a traditional hotel experience, with two locations in the city. We have secured a limited number of disocunted rooms at both hotels.
To access Congress rates, visit: nh-hotels.com/en/event/aoucongress-2025
Bunk Utrecht
Catharijnekade 9, 3511 RT Utrecht, Netherlands
Bunk Utrecht, housed in a converted church on the canal, offers a pleasant, budget-friendly accommodation option with a choice of pods and rooms starting at €50 a night. Its vibrant restaurant provides all day dining and co-working space. (Pictured bottom right)
To access Congress rates, visit wearebunk.com/utrecht and use promo code THEAOU25
There are plenty of other accommodation options in the city to suit all needs and budgets. We encourage Congress attendees to explore a range of options and pick the right thing for you.
Will there be cycling?
Congress in Utrecht gives delegates from outside the Netherlands a great opportunity to experience a transport system that prioritises cycling over cars. With that in mind, cycling will feature in parts of the programme, namely during site visits and workshops, but there will be bike-free options for anyone who doesn't feel comfortable on a bike.
If you sign up for a workshop that requires a bike (registration for these will open closer to Congress) you will have an option to tell us if you will be bringing / renting your own bike. Otherwise a bike will be provided for these sessions by the Congress organisers.
All of the main venues are centrally located and easily walkable if you are not travelling by bike.
Where in Utrecht is Congress taking place?
The beauty of Congress is that it isn't just three days spent sitting in a hotel conference centre. The programme encompasses several venues and a range of site visits so that delegates really explore the city and its urbanism.
The main venues for Congress 2025 in Utrecht will be Kinepolis Jaarbeurs, Leeuwenbergh Gasthuis, and Winkel van Sinkel.
Are there discounts available?
A range of discounts are available to AoU Members, including Early Bird rates which are available until midnight on Sunday 30 March. All rates and access codes can be found at theaou.org/discounts
In addition to discounted rates, there are a limited number of free volunteering places available to Young Urbanists. Click here to find out more.
I can no longer attend, can I get a refund?
Refunds are available if requested before Monday 28 May, but please note that Eventbrite's processing charges (approx 4% of the total ticket cost) will be deducted from this.
Any tickets cancellations after Monday 28 May 2025 will not be eligible for a refund but you may be able to transfer a ticket.
For all cancellations or transfers please write to [email protected]
What language will Congress take place in?
Congress takes place in English, which is commonly spoken as a second language in the Netherlands. But it never hurts to learn some useful Dutch phrases, such as those taught in this short 9 minute video.
